Florida Realtors^®: Prepare for Hurricane Season

“Hurricane season is part of life in Florida, and preparation is key to safety and minimizing risk,” said Florida Realtors President Tim Weisheyer, broker-owner, Dream Builders Realty and dbrCommercial Real Estate Services in Central Florida. “Whether you own or rent your home, early planning helps you protect what matters most – your family and your investment.”

Here's a hurricane prep checklist and steps to take as recommended by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the National Hurricane Center:

Know Your Property and Your Zone

Check your evacuation zone and whether your home is in a flood-prone or storm surge area: FloridaDisaster.org/Know

Understand if your home or building meets current wind resistance and flood safety standards.

Create a Disaster Supply Kit

Prepare for at least seven days without power or water. Include:

• Water (1 gallon per person/day)
• Non-perishable food – include foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights, batteries, phone chargers
• Medications, personal hygiene items
• First aid kit
• Important documents in waterproof containers

For a complete Disaster Supply Kit Checklist, go to FloridaDisaster.org.

Build a Family Emergency Plan

• Discuss evacuation routes, meeting locations, and contacts.
• Register for local emergency alerts: AlertFlorida.com
• Plan for your pets and neighbors who may need assistance.

Protect Your Property

• Review your insurance policies – don’t wait until a storm is approaching.
• Secure windows and doors, trim trees, and anchor loose outdoor items.

Property owners may be eligible for mitigation inspections and retrofitting help through programs like My Safe Florida Home.

Florida’s Disaster Sales Tax Holiday

From June 1–14, many hurricane supplies (like generators, tarps, flashlights, and coolers) are tax-free.

For a list of eligible items, visit FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep

Additional Reminders from Florida Realtors^®

• Homeowners and landlords: Confirm that roof tie-downs, shutters, and sump pumps are working properly. Consider documenting property condition with photos/videos.
• Renters: Ask your landlord about property plans, know where to go if evacuations are ordered, and consider renter’s insurance to cover your belongings.
• Electric vehicle owners: Keep EVs parked away from saltwater flood zones. After past storms, exposure to saltwater has led to battery fires.
• Special needs residents: Register with your local emergency management office if you or a loved one may require evacuation assistance.
• Pet owners: Prepare a “go-bag” with pet food, leashes and medications, and locate pet-friendly shelters in advance.
• Stay connected: Monitor the National Hurricane Center and local emergency officials; also have a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio available.

“As Florida’s Realtors^®, we serve every corner of the state – and we know how crucial it is to plan ahead,” said Weisheyer. “We urge all Floridians to take hurricane season seriously and act now to protect your property and your loved ones.”

For more information and downloadable hurricane preparedness resources, go to FloridaDisaster.org and Florida Realtors Hurricane Resources page.